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Teenagers with set bedtimes are far less likely to suffer from depression or suicidal thoughts, according to a new study.

Researchers looked at data from more than 15,000 adolescents and their parents in the U.S. They found half of young adults had a set bedtime of 10pm, but a quarter were allowed to stay up past midnight and slept an average of 40 minutes less each night.

The study, released today in the journal Sleep, found sleep-deprived teens were 24 per cent more likely to suffer from depression and a fifth more likely to have suicidal thoughts.

Lead author James Gangwisch from Columbia University in New York, said: 'Our results are consistent with the theory that inadequate sleep is a risk factor for depression.

'Adequate quality sleep could therefore be a preventative measure against the illness.'